Scuba Diving Travel Insurance Plans
Scuba Diving Insurance Plans for Canadian Residents
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- Coverage for Divers: World Nomads plans provide cover for recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres, with the option to pay an extra premium and be covered for scuba diving and cavern diving up to 40 metres, and working as a scuba diving instructor or guide
-
Protection When the Pressure’s On: Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while scuba diving.
-
Your Dive Gear, Protected: Plans cover lost, stolen, or damaged diving gear and luggage.
- Help, Anytime: Access to 24/7 emergency assistance.
You’ve gotten your PADI certification and now you’re ready to explore beneath the ocean’s surface. From coral reefs in the Caribbean to one of the dozens of World War 2 shipwrecks found off the coast of Malta, there’s no shortage of divine dive sites around the world. And while calm waters, crystal clear visibility, and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, accidents can still happen. World Nomads travel insurance plans include a range of benefits for scuba diving that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses if you suffer a medical emergency.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my scuba diving trip?
A slip and fall on the dive boat, decompression sickness, jellyfish stings, and ear barotrauma are just some of the unexpected issues that could derail even the most carefully planned dive trip. Travel insurance coverage designed for recreational scuba diving may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. World Nomads offers four plans. You can choose a travel insurance plan that best meets your needs, it’s a smart way to travel confidently – whether you're diving among the abundant marine life in the Florida Keys or alongside the Great Wall of China (yes, that’s possible!).
Scuba diving travel insurance: What may be covered?
As divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover scuba diving while travelling. We also offer coverage for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.
-
Emergency Medical Expenses
Decompression sickness and cuts from coral while diving -
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Your first call in any emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Broken or damaged scuba diving gear (while transported via a common carrier, like a commercial airline) -
Trip Cancellation
Reimbursements if you’re too sick to go on your dive trip
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my scuba diving trip?
World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage. All plans cover scuba diving up to 30 metres. You also have the optional to upgrade your coverage and pay an additional premium if you intend to dive deeper than that.
When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list scuba diving, and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. The main purpose of your trip may be diving, but you may also be doing other fun things like kayaking or sailing. There’s over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that may be covered. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time.
Recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list them when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like scuba diving or cavern diving up to 40 metres, or working as a scuba diving instructor or guide. If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered.
What may not be covered when scuba diving?
- Scuba diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Dives that are deeper (over 40 metres) than your adventure travel insurance coverage allows
- Scuba diving without the proper certification (like PADI or NAUI), unless it is a discovery course with an instructor
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
- Travelling within your home province
- Diving if your doctor has advised against it
- Commercial scuba diving
Top safety tips we recommend for your scuba diving trip
- Research your dive company: Only dive with reputable companies using licensed, seaworthy boats and well-maintained dive equipment.
- Don’t dive without proper certifications:Make sure you’ve gone through the proper coursework through PADI or NAUI based upon the type of dive you’ll be doing. If you don’t have the proper certification for your dive, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance for scuba diving.
- Check (and double check) your scuba gear before getting in the water: Make sure everything is working properly and if you’re unsure about anything, let your guide know.
- Don’t dive alone or swim off on your own: Even if you see something cool underwater, don’t go check it out alone – you and your dive buddy need to stay together. Always know where your guide and buddy are at all times.
- Keep an eye on your air gauge: Monitor this closely so you can plan your return to the surface accordingly. Always make sure you have enough air to complete your dive.
- Ascend slowly and safely: Coming back to the surface too quickly can cause serious problems. Make sure to do safety stops at the appropriate depths.
- Store a copy of your scuba diving travel insurance coverage in a dry bag: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your policy number. You may want to save that in your phone as well.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for scuba diving. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
-
Is scuba diving covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for scuba diving, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered but will still need to be listed when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like scuba diving or cavern diving up to 40 metres or working as a scuba diving instructor or guide. If you are doing something else on your trip and aren’t sure if it’s covered, you should contact us to make sure.
-
What types of incidents are covered while scuba diving abroad?
If your trip is delayed or interrupted due to an unforeseen, covered reason, you may be able to recover your travel expenses (up to the policy limits), and this may include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable dive trips that you paid for in advance. If you get decompression sickness and require emergency medical assistance, emergency medical coverage may come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. You may also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags.
-
Can I get coverage after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan online anytime, from almost anywhere in the world. If you buy a plan after departing from your home province, you won’t be covered for any loss or expense related to any injury or sickness that occurs in the 48-hour period after your departure date. Your departure date will be 12:01am local time on the date that you are originally scheduled to start your trip as shown on your policy certificate.
-
Does World Nomads Travel Insurance offer coverage for scuba diving outside of Canada?
Yes, there are so many great places to scuba dive around the world, and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your fun. For example, if you have travel insurance for Australia, you could have the opportunity to dive the Great Barrier Reef or the SS Yongala, which is considered one of the best wreck dive sites in the world. When you get a quote for travel insurance for scuba diving, you’ll need to input where you’ll be travelling, and also list scuba diving as one of your activities.
-
What should I do if I get hurt while scuba diving?
If you have travel insurance coverage for scuba diving and unexpectedly get hurt, you must contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travellinng outside of Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak French or English. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.
-
Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, with your adventure travel insurance benefits, you may be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences. Things like hiking, biking, rocking climbing, and camping may all be covered. When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list all of the activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time. If you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.
-
Do I get my money back if I cancel a trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is included with all four plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, scuba diving tours and accommodation if your dive trip is cancelled for a covered reason. If you want ultimate flexibility, you may be able to add ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage to the Explorer and Epic plans, as well.
-
What happens if my bags are delayed?
When you purchase travel insurance for diving, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed by your common carrier for 12 hours or more on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for necessary personal effects such as essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited.
Need destination inspiration for your next scuba diving trip?
Not sure where your next scuba diving adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to dive and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Best Scuba Diving Spots on Australia’s East Coast
Into the Deep: Scuba Diving the Great Wall of China
Trinidad & Tobago Discoveries: Caribbean Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving in Cuba: The 6 Best Dive Sites
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
Hiking Travel Insurance
Trekking & High-Altitude Travel Insurance Coverage for Canadians
- As featured in:
As featured in:
At a glance
- Trail-Tested Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers hiking and trekking travel insurance to help cover medical emergencies, gear loss, and trip cancellations.
-
From Day Hikes to High Peaks: You can choose a plan and corresponding activity level based on your trek’s maximum elevation, with coverage available up to 6,000 metres.
-
Evacuation Cover When Help Is Far Away: Our plans include emergency medical evacuation coverage if you get injured or sick while hiking in remote areas.
-
Protection If Your Trek Is Cut Short: If your trek is disrupted by an unforeseen illness or injuries (amongst other covered reasons), travel insurance may help cover your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.
- Why should you consider travel insurance coverage for your next hiking and trekking adventure?
- Hiking and trekking travel insurance coverage
- What benefits are covered with hiking and trekking travel insurance?
- What may not be covered?
- Top tips for your hiking or trekking adventure
- FAQs
Whether you’re trekking to Base Camp , backpacking up Mt. Kilimanjaro or just hiking in a nearby Canadian province (there are nearly 30,000 ‘official’ trails in Canada alone!), you may want to protect your adventure with World Nomads Travel Insurance. Our travel insurance plans include a range of benefits that could help with everything from stolen bags to reimbursement for unexpected medical expenses.
Why should you consider travel insurance for your next hiking and trekking adventure?
Hiking and trekking can take you off the beaten path—and far from help if things go sideways. From twisted ankles on remote trails to gear stolen from your rental car, unexpected issues can derail even the most carefully planned journey. Travel insurance designed for hikers and trekkers may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your route and altitude level, it’s a smart way to explore confidently—whether you're heading to Patagonia, peaks in Asia, or to a national park in Canada (outside of your home province).
Hiking and trekking travel insurance coverage
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Covers hikes up to |
Covers hikes up to |
Covers hikes up to |
Covers hikes up to |
Optional Adventure Sports Coverage Upgrade – Hiking and trekking trips covered up to 6,000 metres.
Nomads tip: Get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
What benefits are covered with hiking and trekking travel insurance?
World Nomads offers coverage (up to the plan maximum benefit limit) for:
- Emergency medical expenses: if you fall and get hurt while hiking or trekking, you may need medical help. Our emergency medical coverage for illness or injury may provide reimbursement for the treatment you need.
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation: If your injuries are severe, acute, or life-threatening our plans may cover emergency medical evacuation and transportation to a medical facility best suited for your care, subject to approval from the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Baggage and personal effects protection: Our gear coverage may help with reimbursement of the cost to repair or replace damaged, lost or stolen items, including airline checked bags.
- Trip cancellation: if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason such as an unexpected illness, you may be eligible for reimbursement of your pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, tours and accommodations. Want ultimate flexibility for your trip plans? World Nomads now also offers a Cancel for Any Reason (“CFAR”) optional upgrade. This optional upgrade can only be purchased with our Explorer Plan and Epic Plan (up to 50% CFAR benefit. Maximum benefit limits apply), Consider adding optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage.
What may not be covered?
- Any alcohol related sickness, death or injury or the abuse of medication, drugs, alcohol or any other toxic substance.
- Travel within your home province
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Wear and tear from everyday use of sporting equipment. Gear that is in use is not covered.
- Hiking or trekking over 6,000 metres.
Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Plan provides little, if any emergency medical coverage once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province, too.
Top tips for your hiking or trekking adventure
To make the most of your time on the trail, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be prepared: we recommend that you check the weather, check your equipment, and if you’re going guided, confirm that you’re using an accredited tour operator.
- Stay healthy: hiking requires a certain amount of strength and stamina, and in some cases (like the Inca Trail or trekking in Nepal), the ability to handle altitude. It’s best to be sure you are physically capable of it. Consider asking a doctor before you leave about altitude medication or other helpful prescriptions you can take with you.
- Keep your receipts and paperwork: any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases and a loss or theft report. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you need to make a claim.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for hiking. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
-
What is the difference between hiking, trekking and mountaineering for travel insurance purposes?
Hiking and trekking are often thought of as the same thing, however hiking is generally considered short, easier walks, whereas trekking involves longer, more challenging journeys. Under World Nomads travel insurance plans, hiking and trekking activities are offered under the same adventure activity level. Mountaineering, on the other hand, often includes technical climbing or high-altitude ascents that may require ropes or specialized gear. Each activity carries different risks, so you may need to purchase an optional upgrade for travel insurance plans like those from World Nomads to have coverage for these activities, which may vary depending on the elevation, difficulty, and whether technical skills or equipment are involved. World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans with different coverage limits. Check out our (lengthy) list of covered adventure activities to help you determine the plan right for you.
-
Why should I consider travel insurance coverage for hiking and trekking?
If you suffer an injury during your trekking or hiking adventure, you may need emergency medical assistance. Hiking and trekking adventures vary in intensity—and elevation. That’s why World Nomads offers four different plans, each with the opportunity to add optional adventure activity coverage for higher risk activities. With elevation-based options, you can choose a plan that fits your route, your style, and your ambition.
Adventure Sports Coverage for World Nomads Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip Plans:
- Hiking or trekking up to 3,000 metres – Level 1
- Hiking or trekking up to 6,000 metres – Level 3
- Hiking or trekking over 6,000 metres – No coverage
Activities listed as Level 2 or Level 3 require an extra premium to be paid for coverage to apply.
-
When should I purchase travel insurance if I’m planning an adventure?
Many travellers choose to buy travel insurance soon after booking to protect their trip investment with a plan that includes pre-trip benefits like Trip Cancellation coverage. Trip Cancellation coverage may reimburse your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason (like unexpected sickness or injury). World Nomads also now offers a Cancel for Any Reason (“CFAR”) optional upgrade. This optional upgrade can only be purchased with our Explorer Plan and Epic Plan (up to 50% CFAR benefit. Maximum benefit limits apply). If you purchase your Explorer or Epic plan within 15 days of making your initial trip payment or trip deposit (like booking a nonrefundable hotel or buying a plane ticket), you also can add optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage. After 15 days, you will not be able to. Simply put, planning ahead means more protection. However, if you’re already on your trip, you can still purchase a World Nomads travel insurance plan (certain waiting periods may apply).
-
Would hiking gear and equipment be covered?
Yes, your hiking gear and equipment may be covered under the baggage and personal effects coverage included in our plans if it's lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged during your trip. Maximum benefit limits vary by plan, so be sure to review which plan is best for your needs —especially if you're carrying high-value items like trekking poles, boots, or GPS devices. Note: coverage does not include wear and tear or gear damaged during use. Additional terms and conditions apply.
-
Does my plan include emergency evacuation coverage?
Yes, World Nomads travel insurance plans include emergency medical evacuation coverage if you’re seriously injured or become unexpectedly ill while hiking or trekking. If you're injured in a remote area and need transport to the nearest adequate medical facility, the Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains coverage may help cover the cost—which can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Medical evacuation must be deemed medically necessary by the attending physician and approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Always check your plan’s elevation limits and covered activities to make sure you're protected for your specific adventure.
-
Is there a maximum altitude limit for hiking or trekking trips under World Nomads travel insurance plans?
Yes, there are two different altitude maximums.
Elevation coverage under our Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip Plans:
- Adventure activity coverage – Level 1 - hiking or trekking up to 3,000 metres
- Adventure activity coverage – Level 3 - hiking or trekking up to 6,000 metres
- There is no coverage for hiking or trekking over 6,000 metres
An additional adventure activity coverage upgrade is required for all level 2 and level 3 activities.
-
Do I need to cover the full duration for multi-day hiking trips?
Yes, you must purchase your travel insurance plan to cover the full duration of your trip outside of your home province.
Need destination inspiration?
Not sure where your next hiking or trekking adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite trails around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
